The Arkansas Razorbacks are one of four Southeastern Conference (SEC) programs searching for a new head coach for the 2026 season after parting ways with Sam Pittman, who spent over five seasons in Fayetteville. Pittman was dismissed following a rough loss to Notre Dame earlier this season, prompting the Razorbacks to evaluate potential replacements.
At Kalshi, a legal prediction market available in all 50 states, sports fans can speculate on who will fill the head coaching vacancy. Currently, several candidates stand out based on market prices.
Ryan Silverfield, the head coach at Memphis, leads the candidates with a contract price of 24 cents. Silverfield has been at Memphis since 2020 and has overseen significant success with the team potentially on track for its third consecutive season of 10+ wins. Despite a rocky start, his background as an assistant coach since 2016 and his familiarity with the competitive environment makes him a strong contender.
Gus Malzahn, who serves as the offensive coordinator at Florida State, comes in next with a price of 20 cents per contract. Malzahn has roots in Arkansas, having played for the Razorbacks and previously worked as a high school coach in the state. His history with Arkansas dates back to 2006 as he started his college coaching career with the team.
Jon Sumrall, head coach at Tulane, has a price of 19 cents and is expected to be in demand this offseason due to his experience and connections in the SEC. Sumrall’s coaching career has included stints at schools like Kentucky and Troy, and he is a former Ole Miss assistant.
Also priced at 19 cents is Bobby Petrino, currently the interim head coach at Arkansas. While he has made some competitive strides, his lack of wins in the SEC may hinder his chances of being named permanent head coach. Nonetheless, athletic director Hunter Yurachek has indicated that Petrino will be considered following Pittman’s exit.
Finally, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden sits at 11 cents per contract. Gruden has expressed interest in returning to coaching in the SEC and has garnered attention through his recent work as a content creator.
Assessing the candidates, Ryan Silverfield appears to be the most viable option, given his recent success and the lack of competition from higher-profile programs for his services. Meanwhile, other names may emerge as the search progresses.
As Arkansas embarks on this critical phase, the Razorbacks’ fans and stakeholders remain hopeful for a strategic hiring that could secure a brighter future for the program. The upcoming decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Arkansas football in the coming years.